Representative Jung Chung-rae examining the Cheonmachong gold crown [Captured from Representative Jung Chung-rae's Facebook. Resale and DB prohibited]

 Democratic Party Representative Jung Chung-rae posted and subsequently deleted an "optical illusion photo" on his social media that made it appear as if he were wearing a gold crown.

The photo in question was taken during his visit to Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on the 19th and 20th to inspect preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

At that time, Representative Jung visited the Gyeongju National Museum and viewed artifacts including the National Treasure No. 188, the Cheonmachong gold crown.

He posted about 30 photos on his Facebook page, including the one in question, which used an optical illusion to make it look as though he was wearing the crown.

This technique, which utilizes the illusion created by distance and perspective, is common among people taking playful photos at tourist landmarks to share on social media.

The post drew supportive comments from netizens appearing to be his supporters, but it also faced criticism with comments such as, "This doesn't look good. It looks like you're playing king."

The photo was deleted around 5:09 p.m. on the 21st.

In response, Kim Kyung-yul, a former interim committee member of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook on the 22nd, citing Representative Jung's words, "I've heard of the 'Ming-Qing transition' in history, but a 'Lee Jae-myung-Jung Chung-rae era' in the Democratic Party is absurd."

An aide to Representative Jung told Yonhap News in a phone call that day, "The guide suggested standing in that spot because it would look like he was wearing the crown, so he took the photo," adding, "It wasn't that he requested to take it that way."

The aide further stated, "It was nothing, but since it was causing unnecessary talk, we deleted it." Yonhap News

Representative Jung Chung-rae examining the Cheonmachong gold crown [Captured from Representative Jung Chung-rae's Facebook. Resale and DB prohibited]